Hungarian Simmental Research Articles

Comparison of body measurements of beef cows of different breeds

Abstract. Body measurements of 110 beef cows of 9 breeds (Hungarian Simmental, Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Red Angus, Lincoln Red, Shaver, Charolais, Limousin and Blonde d’Aquitaine) were taken in December 2004. The absolute, relative measurements and measurement indices moreover correlations between age, live weight and measurements were evaluated and compared for the mentioned breeds. Animals in study were born between 1989 and 2002, kept on the same condition on peat-bog soil pasture at Keszthely. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found among breeds in most of the body measurements. Blonde d’ Aquitaine was the heaviest in live weight (638 kg), highest as for the height at withers (142.5 cm), height at rump (146.6 cm) and length of the body (151.5 cm). Limousin had longest measurements as for the length of the rump (47.4 cm) and width of the rump (58.3 cm). Shaver had the longest width between shoulders (52.9 cm) and width of the head (25.1 cm) while Lincoln Red the longest length of the head (52.8 cm). The correlations between live weight and measurements were medium or strong positive (r = 0.40–0.83), between age and measurements slight positive (r = 0.01–0.46), among the different measurements medium or strong positive (r = 0.22–0.81).

Changes of Longissimus Muscle Area and Rump Fat Thickness in Hungarian Simmental Fattening Bulls Measured Using Real-Time Ultrasound Equipment

The aim of the authors was to evaluate changes in the longissimus muscle area (LMA) and rump fat thickness (P8) based on real-time ultrasound scanning in the Hungarian Simmental cattle breed. Ultrasonic measurements were carried out on the same 11 Hungarian Simmental fattening bulls by Falco 100 (Pie Medical) equipment (I.: age: 357±23.47 days, live weight: 475.55±51.40 kg; II.: age: 418±23.47 days, live weight: 555.10±54.11 kg) on two occasions. Animals were kept in small groups, on deep litter, and fed on silage and concentrate. LMA and P8 were measured on the scans, between the 12th and 13th ribs by manual outlining. Results for the investigated traits during the examinations were as follows: P8: I.: 0.373±0.154 cm, II.: 0.624±0.161 cm; LMA: I.: 65.72±5.89 cm2, II.: 71.74±8.94 cm2. During the fattening period, P8 increased significantly (I-II.: t=3.73, P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was calculated between results of measurements I. and II. in the case of LMA (r=0.71, P<0.05). Results imply the possibility of selling bulls with smaller LMA earlier, at lower body weight. Application of ultrasonic measurements in fattening technology could generate a more quality-related pricing system.

EFFECT OF BREED, LIVE WEIGHT ON THE FATTY ACID, AMINO ACID CONTENT AND ON THE BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF BEEF

The meat of 21 Hungarian Simmental and 17 Holstein-Friesian cattles was analysed for fatty acid and amino acid content, and also for the biological value of the meat protein. It can be established that the proportion of the saturated and the mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to each other is not significantly influenced by the breed and the live weight at the various types and weight categories. The increase in the live weight goes together with the increase in the ratio of the monounsaturated fatty acids in the meat in case of both breeds. The amino acid content of the meat was not significantly influenced by the breed, even the live weight didn't demonstrate any effects. The essential amino acid content and the biological value of the meet of the Hungarian Simmental are practically the same as those of the Holstein-Friesian.

Zusammensetzung des Kolostrums bei einigen Fleischrinderrassen in Abhängigkeit von der nach dem Abkalben vergangenen Zeit

Abstract. Title of the paper: The composition of the Colostrum of some beef cattle breeds according to time of post partum. This research was carried out to investigate the changes of main components of Colostrum with 0–4 days after calving by five beef cattle breds, kept in Hungary. After calving and 24 hours later beef cattle breeds had higher dry matter content in Colostrum compared to that of dairy breeds; but the dairy breeds were superior to the beef cattle breeds from the second day. This relates to the Colostrum of the beef cattle breeds more concentrated than the dairy breeds during the first 24 hours but they reached that values eariier which were characteristic to the normal milk. Examining the protein content of Colostrum there were similar tendencies in change of dry matter content with difference that the protein content of Colostrum of beef cattle breeds was higher than that of the dairy breeds between the 2nd and 4th days, too. On the first and the second days the fat content of Colostrum of the sucklers decreased which was related to the higher dilution in beef cattle breeds. The sugar content of Colostrum of the beef cattle breeds has increased between the calving and the 4th day post partum, and reached the values characteristic to the normal milk – (4.8–5.0%) – on the 5th–6th day. There was not significant difference between the beef and the dairy breeds, neither in sugar nor in the ash content. The ash content of Colostrum reached the values characteristic to the normal milk, 7–8 days after calving. The whey protein and the non protein nitrogen content of Colostrum of the beef cattle breeds were higher than that ofthe dairy breeds, significantly. Decreasing of these fractions in the beef cattle breeds were more moderate than the dairy breeds as in case of the total protein content, according to time. Our calculations show that whey protein content of the beef cattle breeds reached that values which were characteristic to the normal milk, after the 5th day post partum. Not having found a decided difference in the casein content of Colostrum between the beef and the dairy breeds. The casein content of Colostrum of blonde d' Aquitaine and Limousin higher than that ofthe other kind of beef cattle breeds, which manifests itself in the ratio of whey protein and casein, too. At the same time the ratio of whey protein and casein in both Angus types differ from the other beef cattle breeds in favour of the whey protein. The calculated immunglobulüj-G values of Colostrum milked immediately after calving were usually much higher at sucklers than at the dairy breeds. This was true especially beUveen the 1st and the 4th days which was connected with the more moderate decrease of IgG fraction in the beef cattle breeds. Similarly the data of the literature the IgG content ofthe fresh milked Colostrum was determined primarily by the breed. According to our examinations this determination becomes more unimportant moving off the time of calving. The energy content of Colostrum at Black Angus and Red Angus rose among the other kind of beef cattle breeds. The average energy content ofthe Colostrum of blonde d' Aquitaine and Limousin was connected with the high protein content of their Colostrum. The energy content of Colostrum of Hungarian Simmental was the lowest.

Study on peat bog soil pastures for sustainable development of beef cattle farming

The paper summarises the results of a study for sustainable development of beef cattle production on peat bog soil pasture in Hungary. On-farm research was carried out for five years to gain some basic data about herbage production from peat bog soil pastures and animal performance resulting from their use by beef cows herds of different genotypes. Monitoring and study was carried out in three farms with both native and seeded grasslands for suckler cows. Each of the herds was composed of Hungarian Simmental (HS), Hereford (HE) and HS×HE crossbred cows (F1 and R1 generations). Herds were kept outdoors all year round and cows mated in summer, the calves being weaned in autumn. Significant differences were observed in reproduction and weaning performances between HS and HE cows. Calving rate was 79.3% and 82.6%, survival rate to weaning 97.6% and 91.3%, and 205-days weaning weight 193.2kg and 173.6kg respectively. There were significant heterosis effects in the case of crossbred cows (F1, R1) in both calving rate (+9.7% and +5.7% respectively), and the survival rate of F1, R1 and R2 calves (+6.3%, +3.5%, +0.7% respectively). Annual herbage production differed significantly between years, farms and pasture types. The range in variation was from 2.82 to 3.42 tonnes/ha for dry matter, from 27.8 to 34.4 thousand MJ/ha for metabolisable energy and from 3.85 to 6.15 kg/ha for crude protein. Calculated from the average dry matter annual production yield and cows requirements, the annual carrying capacity of the pastures studied ranged from 55 cows/100ha for the large size HS to 66 cows/100ha for the smaller size HE. The highest calf crop (50.7 weaned calves and 9.6 tonnes total weaning weight) was obtained in the case of F1 cow herds while the lowest (42.6 and 8.23 respectively) in the case of HS. Herbage and hair samples analyses for macro- and micro-elements showed that Na, Cu, Zn and Se supplied by the herbage are insufficient with respect to cows needs. A mineral supplementation could be beneficial in order to sustain health and reproduction.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE MILKING ABILITY OF HUNGARIAN SIMMENTAL COWS

This research project involved examination of the milking ability traits of 75 Hungarian Simmental cows of different sire breed (Hungarian Simmental, German Simmental and Montbéliard). On the basis on the results obtained it was established that with respect to milk flow rate and udder symmetry a substantial spread of values prevailed in the stock. Significant difference between progeny groups derived from breeding bulls of the respective mountain types of the Simmental breed was observed only in the udder index. No definitive relation between data from conformation evaluation of the udder and milking ability indices was established. Milking ability examinations provide data important with respect to issues pertaining both to breeding programmes and to udder health condition; it is for this reason that the authors recommend the reintroduction of such examinations into the selection system in Hungary.

Population genetic examination on the heterosis effects in crossbreeding Hungarian Simmental cattle with Herefords

Population genetic examination on the heterosis effects in crossbreeding Hungarian Simmental cattle with Herefords

Population genetic examination on the heterosis effects in crossbreeding Hungarian Simmental cattle with Herefords

Population genetic examination on the heterosis effects in crossbreeding Hungarian Simmental cattle with Herefords

Population genetic examination on the heterosis effects in crossbreeding Hungarian Simmental cattle with Herefords

Population genetic examination on the heterosis effects in crossbreeding Hungarian Simmental cattle with Herefords